Lube distribution apparatus for use with sperm collection device

Abstract

A lube distribution apparatus for use in connection with a sperm collection device is provided and configured to be installed on the sperm collection device in lieu of the end cap. The lube distribution apparatus comprising a main body having a cylindrical opening at a first end thereof, the cylindrical opening having means for engaging an open end of the sperm collection device. A lubricant reservoir is located within the main body of the lube distribution device for housing lubricant to be used in the sperm collection device. Injection means are provided for injecting lubricant from the lubricant reservoir into the sperm collection device. The lube distribution apparatus may further include an end cap removably affixed to a second end of the main body and enclosing the lubricant reservoir. A vent for allowing outside air to enter the lubricant reservoir during actuation of the injection means may also be provided. The vent may be located in the end cap or, alternatively, directly in the main body of the lube distribution device.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A lube distribution apparatus for use in connection with a sperm collection device and configured to be installed on the sperm collection device, said lube distribution apparatus comprising:
 a main body having a cylindrical opening at a first end thereof, said cylindrical opening having means for engaging an open end of the sperm collection device, 
 a lubricant reservoir located within said main body for housing lubricant to be used in the sperm collection device; 
 a first opening in said main body in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir; 
 an injector tip projecting from the first end of the main body, said injector tip having a second opening therein; 
 a first fluid passageway connecting said first opening in said main body to an inlet opening in a primer purge pump; and 
 a second fluid passageway connecting said second opening in the injector tip to an outlet opening in said primer purge pump; and 
 wherein said primer purge pump further comprises a purge bulb covering said inlet opening and said outlet opening creating a compressible chamber in fluid communication with said inlet opening and said outlet opening. 
 
     
     
       2. The lube distribution apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an end cap removably affixed to a second end of said main body and enclosing said lubricant reservoir. 
     
     
       3. The lube distribution apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the primer purge pump further comprises:
 an inlet check valve associated with said inlet opening; 
 an outlet check valve associated with said outlet opening. 
 
     
     
       4. The lube distribution apparatus according to  claim 1  further comprising a vent for allowing outside air to enter the lubricant reservoir. 
     
     
       5. The lube distribution apparatus according to  claim 4  further comprising an end cap removably affixed to a second end of said main body and enclosing said lubricant reservoir, said vent located in said end cap. 
     
     
       6. The lube distribution apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein said vent further comprises an opening in the cap that exposes an interior of the lubricant reservoir to outside air, and a check valve located in said opening in the cap to control the flow of air from outside into the lubricant reservoir. 
     
     
       7. The lube distribution apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein the check valve is a Schrader valve. 
     
     
       8. The lube distribution apparatus according to  claim 6  wherein said vent is disposed in a bushing that is removably secured to an opening in said end cap. 
     
     
       9. The lube distribution apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said vent further comprises an opening in an outer surface of the main body in fluid communication with the outside air, an opening in fluid communication with the lubricant reservoir; a fluid passage connecting the first opening to the second opening; and a check valve located in said opening in the outer surface of the main body to control the flow of air from outside into the lubricant reservoir. 
     
     
       10. The lube distribution apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein the check valve is a Schrader valve.